The Gainesville Haymarket Youth Football League (GHFYL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a character building program for both boys and girls of the area through fundamental instructions associated with youth tackle football.

GHYFL has two areas that donations are raised to support. These program areas are: 2009 Season Expenses and The Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund. All fundraising activities in 2009 will clearly state which program area donations are being raised to support. Spring and Fall season fundraisers will take place.

FUNDRAISING FOR 2009 SEASON EXPENSES:

Registration fees do not cover all the costs to run the GHYFL program(s) and therefore the Organization, in an attempt to keep registrations fees at a reasonable amount, depends upon donations to cover these costs.

Fundraising for season expenses this year will come from (1) Player/Cheer fundraising activity and Corporate Sponsorships.

The (1) Player/Cheer fundraising activity is TBD but will be announced prior to 2009 Season Registration Opening. By registering your child for participation with the GHYFL you are agreeing to participate in this (1) 2009 Season Expense fundraiser.

League Corporate Sponsorship is an integral part of the success of the funds needed for the 2009 Season Expenses. Each parent is needed to help us identify potential corporate sponsors. Without these sponsorships additional individual fundraising will be needed.

For more information regarding how to become a Grizzly Corporate Sponsor, please review the information on the Grizzly web site.

Each Grizzly Football Team (Spring and Fall Seasons) will be responsible to raise a minimum of $500 in corporate sponsorships.

FUNDRAISING FOR “GRIZZLY FIELD OF DREAMS FUND":

GHYFL is continuing to work towards the goal of having dedicated football fields to support the growing interest in our football programs in this area. With only one (1) home field, George G. Tyler Elementary, our home games are limited. This is disappointing for our Players and Cheerleaders and puts an extra strain on families that are traveling throughout Northern Virginia every weekend.

The Grizzly Board of Directors is in active discussions with Prince William County (PWC) for the development of additional fields in this area. This will come at a cost to the organization. GHYFL will be required to develop the land that PWC makes available into football fields.

All money raised for “The Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund” will be specifically designated to build additional fields and facilities for GHYFL. Each year certain fundraising activities will be designated to raise money for the “Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund.”

By registering your child for participation with the GHYFL you are agreeing to participate in (1) annual fundraiser that supports the "Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund."

In 2009 the “Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund” will be one of the beneficiaries of the Grizzlies Give Back 5k along with another children’s based charity. This fundraiser will be based on Players/Cheerleaders raising individual donations to sponsor them to run/walk at the Grizzlies Give Back 5k. Much like last year, Players/Cheerleaders will receive Grizzly Gear based on the amount of money they are able to raise for such a worthwhile cause.

All proceeds from the Grizzly Gala (which attendance is optional by parents) will support the “Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund.” Parents may be asked to help secure silent/live auction items to help make this event a success. Participation is voluntary but all help is greatly appreciated.

GHYFL GRIZZLY FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

August 2009 Events:

Each year the GHYFL develop several fun events for players and their families.

On Saturday, August 29, 2009 the Grizzlies will host “Grizzly Day”, which will consist of a street fair with vendors, rides and entertainment.

The Grizzlies Give Back 5k will kick off the event with a Parade of Teams which will announce each team and cheer team will close “Grizzly Day” activities.

More information will be made available in the months to come.

This event will be held at the Virginia Gateway Center/Atlas Walk.

September 2009 Events:

In 2009 the Grizzlies will be hosting the Labor Day Clash tournament with Dulles South on Saturday, September 6, 2009. This event will be free to everyone.

Elements of this event are still being planned and as more details are developed they will be announced.

October 2009 Events:

The Annual ‘Grizzly Gala & Casino Night’ is scheduled for October 2009. Final date is TBD.

This year will build upon the fantastic time had by all in 2008 with casino tables, dancing, silent auction and live auction.

This is an adult only party. All parents, coaches and community supporters are invited.

Space is limited. Tickets will be available starting September 2009. This event is a fundraiser and all proceeds will benefit the “Grizzly Field of Dreams Fund.”

Parent volunteers are needed to help with the silent auction and planning.

All Grizzly events are labor intensive so volunteers are greatly needed. Please contact us at
if you are willing to help.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Sports is labor intensive and parent is critical.

Each team will have a GHYFL Board of Directors appointed Head Coach who will reach out to other parents to volunteer for Assistant Coach and a Team Parent positions to help manage the many details required to compete in this League.

In addition, volunteer parents are needed to assist on home game days. Three parents will be needed to work in the snack bar and “Grizzly Den” and one to help direct parking prior to the game. During the game, 3 parents will be needed to work the chains and down marker. Cheerleader parents are also expected to volunteer.

Parents will also take turns bringing half-time and post-game snacks for the Players and Cheerleaders.